08-14-09 Personnel and Finance Committee

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting August 14, 2009 Page 6 Presentation on the Revised 2010 South Bend Fire Department_Budget; City Controller Fanello stated that the Fire Department was authorized to add $3 million back into their budget from the $4 million which they had previously cut. The $4 million cut reflected decreasing sworn firefighters by 52; but did not account for the resulting increase in overtime. The proposed revised SBFD budget will reflect 240 sworn firefighters. She noted that $535,000 is needed to get the department to the 248 sworn firefighter goal. They project that there would be a savings in overtime of $307,000 to go to full-strength. Assumptions being used include that taxes will come in and that they will go to manpower of 240 by putting the $3 million back into the SBFD budget. The SBFD overtime costs in 2007 were $700,000. She stated that if tax rates and payments come in as projected that the SBFD could "possibility go to 248". She added that in all of the Town Hall meetings public safety was identified as the top priority. In response to questions from Council Member Rouse, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon II and Assistant Chief of Services Mark Nowicki noted that the department is operating with 240 firefighters, but would like to get to full strength. They added that there is a detailed application process involved as well as written exams, tutorials, 4-week physical agility tests; oral interviews as all being part of the process in addition to much detailed training. Chief Buchanon stated that it would take more than six (6) months to get to full-strength. Asst. Chief Nowicki stated that the SBFD has never had problems getting qualified people to work on the SBFD. Council Member Rouse noted that the difference in overtime between 2007 to 2010 appears to be $272,000. Asst. Chief Nowicki stated that the cost to the city to have a new firefighter begin ranges from $72,000 to $75,000 each. City Controller Fanello stated that the budget is still down and that there is no operational growth. Fire Chief Buchanon stated that they have talked with St. Joseph Medical Center personnel but have reached no conclusions. They are dealing with a very "delicate situation" which includes medical personnel being in Mishawaka; heavy traffic affecting response times; monies lost in order to get SBFD units back into the City of South Bend city limits, etc. He added that the hospital has stated that it cannot do anything monetarily to address these concerns. Another meeting is scheduled in the next 2-3 weeks. Asst. Chief Nowicki stated that the SBFD has four (4) ambulances, which at any one time once the new hospital opens could be all in Mishawaka with none available for South Bend.